Spine Operation

[Kimthurston]

Hi, I am going into hospital for a discectomy to remove the prolapsed disc which is, in turn, pressing on the nerve in my leg causing severe pain. Have been told things like I have to stay flat or stand (no sitting) for 72 hours and the recuperation period is 6 weeks. Has anyone else had this procedure who can give me a little more information and maybe some suggestions for a speedier recovery? Many thanks.

[beso]

I was in agony from what was described a prolapsed disc. I could barely move from the spams of pain. The affect on my posture was profound with several centimetres of horizontal displacement in my hips.

I went to a chiropractor which brought significant relief on the first visit. I was given advice on exercises postures to help and undertook a course of several visits. The chiropractor also explained to my why I was susceptible and adised me on how to avoid it again.

I no longer have a problem. However will point out that I sought immediate help when the problem first occurred.

Have you sought any advice other than from a surgeon? As a frined of mine once said: "If the only tool you have is a hammer (scalpel) you tend to see all problems as a nail (surgery)".

[jonesytwotwo]

I think what you have been told about rest and recuperation, seems to be constant. My son had the same op, in Australia. I think the op offers no short cuts to recovery, except do as your physician tells you. My lad had the op Jan 07. Has made a full recovery, but he did do the horizontal for the 6 weeks. He watched hundreds of DVD's.
Hey good luck n recovery

[Kimthurston]

Thanks for the info. Yes, have been down the route of an osteopath, steroid injection into disc, etc. The op is my last resort unfortunately

[Scarlett]

Let us know how you get on- I have had a similar problem for 10 years but am wary about surgery. If your problem is sciatica, it will be cured by the discectomy. I have other pain- no sciatica, so only have a 50% chance of improvement.

[Dollie]

my mate had two discs removed, following years of other unsuccessful treatements. She did remarkably well - yes it is quite a few weeks recovery, but she's never looked back. It gave her a new lease of life. Good luck mate. x

[KRUSTYMAN]

I can't offer you advice but I really do hope you grasp the chance an reap the benefits. I have two prolapsed discs in my neck and not one surgeon will touch them with a barge pole. Consequently I had to 'retire' 15 years ago aged 33yrs and am in constant pain and taking 30 tablets a day and sometimes am in so much pain I just keep taking morphine until I am unaware of the pain or am unconscious. The last spinal surgeon I saw, I even begged and offered to sign a waiver if he would operate and still he said no. I really, really envy you. I hope it works out well for you, trust me the 'inconvenience' of the recouperation will be well worth it!

[gucciman]

i suffered a prolapsed disc right at the bottom of my spine, i was in absolute agony, for about a month it would take me 20 mins to be able to get out of bed and stand up and i had to walk everywhere taking baby steps because of the pain down my leg.
i went to a osteopath for referred me for a mri scan, this showed that the prolapsed disc had become trapped, its blood supply was cut off and the osteopath predicted that it would shrivel up and die and cause no further problems, this is what happened and although i get the ocasional twinge in my back which scares the hell out of me im really happy i avoided surgery.
my mate at my gym had exactly the same problem as me, he did have to have surgery and even though they tidied up the disc he is left with a limp and footdrop as the sciatic nerve has been squashed by the disc.